Blog#3: My City (Mizuki Yanagisawa)

Hello. This is Mizuki Yanagisawa again. This time, please let me introduce my city. My city where I live in is called “Kawagoe”. I hope you have heard this name at least once. Kawagoe is a small city in Saitama and known for “Ko-edo”（小江戸） which means “small EDO”. As it is called small EDO, the townscape of Kawagoe is very old and traditional. The place is also known for Japanese traditional snack shops that are “Dagashi-ya” (駄菓子屋) where your mother and father have probably visited at least once. Once any adult steps foot in one of these stores, they must feel like a child again.

If you visit Kawagoe, you must visit the area where many Japanese old buildings stand altogether. These buildings or houses are built more than 100 years ago and made in Japanese traditional way. Moreover, you should visit “Kita-in temple” if you are interested in temples. “Kita-in temple” is a nationwide renowned temple which is first built by mentor “Jikakudaishi” in 830. It is said that this temple is most famous temple in Saitama Prefecture.

Furthermore, if you come to Kawagoe, you should go shopping at “Clare mall” where many shops, stores and restaurants gathered. Every time I visit here, there are enormous numbers of people. From what I have researched, the population of this area is 33,000 per year. You would be able to enjoy shopping for new clothes, foods and souvenirs at here.